Small tillandsia from Venezuela forming dense bushes

With hairy, slender, and pointed leaves that turn orange to reddish in very bright light, Tillandsia funckiana is very suitable for terrariums.

The leaves are tightly arranged on curved stems, giving it an appearance similar to a spruce branch. Over time, it develops large, dense clumps of many dozens of individual plants. The plant reaches a diameter of about 3 centimeters and a length of up to 15 centimeters.

Botanical description

Tillandsia funckiana comes from a humid habitat in Venezuela. The species is currently considered a synonym of T. andreana by authorities such as Kew, but it has been argued that significant differences between the two taxa mean they should be considered separate species, with T. andreana restricted to Colombia and T. funckiana to Venezuela.

Like most tillandsias, this species is largely epiphytic, meaning it grows as a non-parasitic plant on trees and bushes. Tillandsia continues to grow normally even without roots and does not necessarily need to be attached to another plant to survive. They can be grown free-hanging or mounted.

The leaves have more or less dense white hairs that act like small sponges and become transparent when filled with water. These hairs keep the tillandsia moist longer and give it more time to absorb water and nutrients before it dries out again.

Care

A bright spot in a terrarium or plant cabinet is ideal. Direct sunlight is not necessary but contributes to redder color. Spray heavily regularly with water but allow it to dry slightly.

Thrives in high humidity (60-80%). Ideal temperature 18-26°C. Can be mounted on bark, branches, or grown free-hanging. Fertilize sparingly with diluted orchid fertilizer once a month by spraying on the leaves. Buy Tillandsia funckiana online